What's holding you back from joining a coworking space?

This informative post was brought to you by Caroline Black. She's a blogger who has been working on her own for the better part of the last five years; she started going to coworking spaces last year and it’s changed her life, both professionally and personally. She writes frequently about her experiences to help other freelancers and entrepreneurs.

The word “coworking” brings so many things to mind. It sounds hip, new, fancy. But to some it can be intimidating. How can it help you and your business? And why should you try it out?

It’s true that not every coworking space is created equal, and that you’ll need to take some time to find the one that’s for you, the benefits coworking offers to people are really too significant to overlook. So let’s talk about if any of these things are holding you back.

Are you worried about the expense?

While working from home or at a library is free, it might not be the right environment for you to be productive. The coffee shop is a good standby but you do have to keep buying tasty items to stay there.

Everyone has a budget, so all you need to do is find a coworking space that fits yours. Using money as an excuse for not immersing yourself in the vibrant, high-energy environment of coworking spaces is simply preventing you from making the most of your time at work. It’s an investment for your self, your network, and your projects.

What about distractions?

One of the beauties of working from home is the silence you can get. Assuming you don’t have kids running around, the peace and quiet you can get at home is rather special.

But don’t mischaracterize a coworking space as being distracting. People go to these places first and foremost to work. Many spaces have “quiet areas” where you can get away from the buzz, or they have designated spots or times to socialize.

In many ways, coworking spaces offer a perfect balance. While the silence of your house can be good, it can also be isolating. Going to a coworking space allows you to feed off the positive energy of other like-minded individuals while also carving out a little bubble for you to lock in and be as productive as possible.

Do you want to avoid routine?

Most of us ditched our traditional 9-5 jobs (or avoided them in the first place) because of our dislike of routine. The idea of getting up at the same time every day to go to the same place sounds limiting, especially compared to working from home, where you have more freedom to wake up and take breaks when you want.

But so do coworking spaces. If you want to show up at noon, stay for a few hours, and leave, go ahead. You can still be smart about when you come in and use your time, so that you can get the most out of your productive energy. It has the bonus value in separating your home for your work too.

Are you concerned someone might steal your ideas?

One of the nice things about coworking spaces is the opportunity to meet people with similar interests and ambitions. You’ll meet entrepreneurs working to get their business off the ground. As you start to see some familiar faces, it’s common practice to bounce ideas off each other.

That begs to question, “What if someone takes my idea?” Theoretically, there is a risk of this. But the chances of someone taking your idea are essentially zero. People at coworking spaces already have enough on their plate. Showing interest in your project does not mean they want to steal it. Your idea is unique because it’s your own. You bring your own set of perspectives and experiences to the idea and make it what it is. Collaborating with others will only help you expand your vision and make your business better.

Are you too shy to work in a coworking space?

The first time you walk into a coworking space, you might feel a little intimidated. Frequent visitors will know each other, there’s routine, and it’s a new space. But this is just the fear we all have when we try something new.

The truth is, people at coworking spaces are incredibly friendly. The number of people freelancing is growing every day, and these people often make their way to coworking spaces to get things done. You’ll find it very easy to connect with people. All you have to do is try.

There are many reasons why you might hesitate to try out coworking. But coworking has so much to offer for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and anyone else who likes to work on their own. Best is to try it out and see how it can improve your productivity.